The Dallas Cowboys' defense showed signs of life despite allowing 40 points to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. Twice when the unit needed a play in the second half, they found a way to get a stop or force a field goal. Locking up a chance at the win and eventually forcing the Packers to settle for the tie. A piece of this was the debut of pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who more than earned additional snaps heading into Week 5.
Understandably, a lot of attention is going to be on James Houston and the impact the veteran had against Green Bay. However, it wasn't just Houston that was breathing life into the Cowboys' pass rush.
Clowney had a noticeable impact from his first snap and played at a higher level than expected. He unquestionably earned more snaps in what was a solid debut. One that gives a bit of hope that perhaps there is a chance defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus can turn the struggling unit around.
Cowboys Veteran Pass Rusher Jadeveon Clowney Enjoys Exciting Dallas Debut
While there wasn't a sack in Clowney's Week 4 debut, there were a handful of moments that showed why the pass rusher has had such a solid career. According to PFF, Clowney had the third-highest grade among the Cowboys' defense (72.0) despite only playing 23 snaps.
Even working in a struggling Dallas defense, Clowney was just a step short of creating a big play or in the perfect spot to prevent one from happening for the Packers. It is the exact type of performance you hoped to get from a piece that still has something left in the tank.
After watching Sunday's performance, it becomes very achievable to believe that a 6-7 sack season is very much on the table. Even if Clowney stays in a rotational role, the veteran's ability to get to the quarterback in short bursts simply cannot be ignored.
With this in mind, the Cowboys must continue pushing Clowney's snaps in the right direction as the veteran continues to adjust to the 2025 season.
For Eberflus, there was a handful of wins in this game from a coaching perspective, despite allowing 40 points. Clowney is an important piece of this and is showing his potential fit. For Dallas to build off this game, the moves in free agency should continue. This time, the Cowboys must add to their secondary.
Fans have already seen what Clowney can bring and why the pass rusher's snaps must be moved in the right direction. There are these types of potential impact players remaining in free agency that could help a Dallas secondary that desperately needs to find more playmakers.